State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) today Friday two broadband grants totaling more than $3 million dollars from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD) for broadband expansion in House District 40.

Approximately $1.35 million in funding was awarded to Tri-County Fiber Communications, LLC for expansion in Sumner and Trousdale Counties. Additionally, DTC Communications — which serves Wilson and Smith Counties — will receive $1.7 million.

The monies are a part of the Broadband Accessibility Grant Program; it is designed to offset capital expenses in the deployment areas of broadband in unserved areas. The overall goal of the program is to facilitate broadband access to all Tennesseans while promoting practices that increase deployment and promote broadband adoption. Funding targets areas that are unlikely to receive services without grant funding.

“Over the years, we have worked with constituents, local governments, and state officials to expand rural broadband in District 40; it has truly been a coalition effort,” said Representative Weaver. “This investment means children will be able to expand their knowledge, small businesses will grow, and families can stay better connected. I am so thrilled, grateful, and happy for our district.”

In 2017, Representative Weaver fought for increased access to reliable broadband services for the residents of her community, sponsoring the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act.

The Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act addresses broadband access and adoption through business investment and deregulation. Coupled with the state budget, the legislation makes targeted investments through grants and tax credits that focus on the state’s unserved areas. The legislation also permits the state’s private, nonprofit electric cooperatives to provide retail broadband service — something they have been completely unable to do in the past.